Heike Hanada, Idea sketch for the redevelopment of the Culture Forum in Berlin

I studied architecture at Bauhaus University Weimar and media architecture at the SUNY Buffalo. My professional and research interests consist of not only architecture but also the position of technology and media. In 2011 I co-founded the experimental research & design practice Aleatorix, a multi-disciplinary experimental practice based in Rotterdam and Berlin. It seeks to explore new boundaries of architecture and material environment. The practice explores architecture as a progenitor of new living that includes environmental consciousness as well as technological potentials. The practice includes not only architecture, but also the systems and applications that augment conventional architectural environment and objects. Rather than insisting on the historical autonomy of architecture as discipline, the practice is interested in new relationships “connecting the dots” in a dynamic and innovative way and in the research and development of “con-figurations,” rather than isolated independent objects.

"EXQUISITE CORPS" (2015, Holz Syntetische Faser, Papier)

“exquisite corps”-on collecting public interests, asks people to draw an impression of their city. What noises would you rather not have? How can sounds – especially those that irritate – be better contained? Which are places that cause an unnecessary, unpleasant imposition? What would you like to see more of? Or whatever comes to mind when you think about “My City”.

For this project the surrealist game “exquisite corps”, a technique by which a collection of images is collectively assembled, is utilized. Each person is given an area on paper to add to the composition, in sequence, being allowed to see only the end of what the previous person contributed. It is a very simple form of urban activism where creative people work in public space to express themselves but by doing though will create dialogues with other citizens. For this project the focus is brought upon the citizen participation in the processes and developments in our city and giving them the tools to express and converse ideas. Let’s remember that at their core, cities are about people and we can harness their ideas, energy, and expertise to create more livable places.

While at the beginning it is no more than a white canvas in a furry box throughout the exhibition it develops into a collective drawing. Everybody can participate but nobody knows the outcome. It is unpredictable.